Tactical Sourcing at IBM

Introduction

At IBM Finance & Operations, we are the backbone of IBM’s transformation driving efficiency, transparency, and smart decision-making across the business. Our teams provide the insight and discipline that guide strategy, ensure financial strength, and enable IBM to invest in innovation and growth. Working in Finance & Operations means combining analytical skills with collaboration and curiosity. You’ll partner with colleagues across functions and geographies, using data, technology, and process excellence to create solutions that improve performance and deliver measurable impact. IBM offers continuous learning, career development, and a culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us and be part of a global team that keeps IBM moving forward, while building your own future in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Your role and responsibilities

As a Procurement Sourcing Professional, you will source commodity demand in line with the global sourcing strategy and follow the 7-step sourcing process. This role requires deep industry knowledge of the commodity being sourced, as well as data and benchmarking insight to drive effective sourcing decisions. Your primary responsibilities will include: • Source Commodity Demand: Source commodity demand in line with the global sourcing strategy, utilizing industry knowledge and data analysis to identify optimal suppliers and negotiate cost-effective and high-quality supply. • Analyze Data and Benchmark: Analyze data and benchmarking insights to inform sourcing decisions, ensuring alignment with the global sourcing strategy and key goals and targets. • Establish Supplier Relationships: Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiating contracts and agreements that meet business needs while ensuring compliance with IBM's strategic sourcing decisions. • Document Sourcing Process: Document the sourcing process in a structured and auditable way, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the procurement cycle. • Negotiate Contracts: Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, utilizing negotiation skills to achieve optimal outcomes and meet business objectives.

Required technical and professional expertise

Tactical / Strategic Buyer - Key Responsibilities & Requirements

Role Overview

Responsible for managing end-to-end Source-to-Pay (S2P) procurement activities for indirect categories. The role involves vendor sourcing, negotiations, contract management, and delivering cost savings while managing stakeholders and suppliers across North America.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end S2P (Source-to-Pay) process including sourcing, contracting, and supplier management.

• Handle procurement for Indirect Categories such as:

• Facilities

• MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations)

• CPS

• Logistics

• IT

• Marketing services

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage complex sourcing projects with spend thresholds up to $1M.

• Execute RFX processes including:

• RFI (Request for Information)

• RFQ (Request for Quotation)

• RFP (Request for Proposal)

• Identify, evaluate, and onboard qualified vendors/suppliers.

• Conduct commercial and contractual negotiations to deliver optimal value and meet savings targets.

• Ensure strong contract management, including understanding and managing key clauses such as pricing, SLAs, termination, indemnity, liability, and compliance.

• Maintain strong vendor management and performance tracking.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across functions to understand requirements and deliver procurement solutions.

• Interact with suppliers and stakeholders across the US and Canada.

• Drive procurement initiatives independently and ensure timely delivery of sourcing outcomes.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Source-to-Pay (S2P) lifecycle.

• Experience in strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.

• Expertise in contract management and procurement best practices.

• Ability to manage complex sourcing projects independently.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• Results-driven, proactive, and confident professional with a "go-getter" mindset.

Work Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness to work night shifts (login between 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM IST) to support North American stakeholders.

Preferred technical and professional experience

• Deep Industry Knowledge: Experience working with industry-specific knowledge, including understanding market trends, supplier dynamics, and regulatory requirements, to drive effective sourcing decisions. • Advanced Data Analysis: Exposure to advanced data analysis and benchmarking tools and techniques, with the ability to apply insights to inform complex sourcing decisions. • Strategic Sourcing: Experience with strategic sourcing concepts, including category management, supplier relationship management, and total cost of ownership analysis.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.